While the holiday season is supposed to be a "break" from the stress-enducing aspects of everyday life, for most people there is an inevitable tension that endues the minds of people everywhere once the holiday season strikes, leaving everyone in its ribbony, twinkling, tinsel-filled wake. It can be hard to find some time for relaxation with a to-do list as long as Santa's naughty/nice list. With Christmas presents to buy, extended family visits to prepare for, and, if you're a college student, exams to take (yikes), the holiday season may seem to be anything but a "holiday." Nevertheless, there are always ways to unwind during the holiday season, no matter how much pressure the holidays bring with them.
1. Make a hot beverage.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, whatever your preference is. There is nothing better than sipping on a warm beverage, even if you are up to your ears in deadlines, papers, gift receipts, nagging family, etc. If you need to add some Baileys Irish Cream to ease the stress a bit and make whatever situation you are in more bearable, you can do that too. In fact, it's recommended.
2. Dress down.
There is no reason to look like a high-class starlet during this anxiety-ridden season. Put on some sweats, knit leggings, comfy pajamas, oversized sweaters, basically anything that will keep you warm and cozy as you brace the harsh winds of exams and malls around Christmas time. Uggs and fuzzy socks will be your number one companions as you tread through your seemingly endless checklist.
3. Listen to Christmas music.
This may seem like an obvious one since the holidays are indeed upon us, but it will be much more relaxing to get work done with some classic holiday music playing softly in the background. Who doesn't automatically feel happier while listening to Christmas music? I know I do.
4. Decorate!
Take a half-hour break and put up some decorations. This is a great way to take your mind off of the endless abyss of errands you have to run and/or deadlines you have to meet. Take a break and come back to everything with a fresh mind once you've gotten yourself into the holiday spirit. It is much easier to get work done under twinkling lights and scented candles in a pine-scented room, anyway.
5. Light a fire.
With a fire burning in the fireplace, it'll be much easier to focus on the work that needs to be done. Let the flames warm you up as you continue your journey along finishing up assignments or wrapping present after present. A warm fire will make a stressful situation much easier.
6. Watch a Christmas movie.
If you find yourself with a couple hours to spare or you're wondering how to control your rowdy cousins who are visiting for the holidays, pop in a Christmas movie. Everyone loves a good Christmas movie and it is a scientific fact that Christmas movies will make you feel 100% better by the time they are over. Elf and Home Alone are highly recommended.
7. Bake something.
Christmas cookies make everything better. If you have some time to spare, make a batch of cookies to eat while you do your work. Baking in itself is a relaxing task and it will give you some time to step away from your work and return with a plate filled with delicious baked goods. Assignments become exceedingly less stressful when your house smells of freshly baked cookies and your belly is full of them.
8. Cuddle with a pet.
If you have a pet, then you know that they always make everything 110% better. Take some time and play with them, or simply let them lay on your lap while you're getting your work done. Pets are the best stress relievers and it is much more difficult to feel anxious over all the things you have to do if you have a cat purring on your lap or a dog waiting excitedly to fetch a tennis ball. Pets have no worries of their own and will help to soothe some of yours.
9. Take a warm bath.
Nothing feels better than a warm bath on a cold night. Break out a Lush Bath Bomb, light a couple candles, grab a good book, and allow yourself to loosen up. If you are running short on time, a warm shower will also suffice. Let the warm water wash away your worries - even if only temporarily.
10. Play in the snow.
If you live in an area like I do, it is extremely unlikely that there will be a White Christmas, or any sort of snow during the holiday season whatsoever. But in the off chance that those cotton flurries happen to fall from the sky, take some time to appreciate them. Even just looking at the snow fall from the window, inside of a warm house, wrapped up in a fleece blanket, drinking some hot chocolate, is a serene scene to watch. You will undoubtedly feel more relaxed afterward. It may be a long shot, but it doesn't hurt to dream of a White Christmas, am I right?
